For the first time since the acute tensions between Turkey and Israel began several weeks ago, an official Turkish delegation has arrived in Israel this week. Members of the Turkish Water Authority will visit WaTech 2009, Mekorot's exhibit on water, environment and renewable energies, which presents Israel's latest technological developments in these areas. On Tuesday, they visited the Knesset, bearing a message of reconciliation.

Watech is the technology support unit of Mekorot, Israel’s national water corporation, serving as a platform for introducing Israeli water-related startups onto the wave of growth in the world water market.

Watech Director Moshe Lilus says that in order to help the Turks find solutions to their own water crisis, economic attaches of the Ministry of Industry and Trade will accompany them on their visit. The Israeli experts will discuss the Turkish water challenges and present Israel's solutions.

Lilus says that Turkey in general, and its capital city Istanbul in particular, are struggling with dwindling water supplies for a fast-growing population, as well as the need to drain sewage without creating environmental pollution. Israel is one of the world leaders in these areas.

The past few weeks have featured a mob of Turkish students attempting to attack Israel’s Ambassador in Turkey; anti-Israel and pro-Iran remarks by Turkey’s president; the Turkish cancellation of a joint military exercise with Israel; a Turkish-Syria joint military exercise; anti-Israel protests in Turkey, including the burning of Israeli flags and the waving of Palestinian Authority flags; and the broadcasting on Turkish television of a fictional series depicting IDF soldiers as cold-blooded murderers.